Children of a lesser God too have a right to live

Published: Friday, February 8, 2008, 19:04 [IST]

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New Delhi, Feb 8 (UNI) The humane face of Finance Minister P Chidambaram came to light when he got lost amidst socially challenged and orphan children, sharing their glee at being offered an opportunity to give a performance relating to song and dance.

Away from the hard core or may be the humdrum world of finance and politics or for that matter law which he once practiced, Mr Chidambaram was a different man.

The occasion was a show last evening entitled 'Small Wonders,' organsied by two professionals -Alpana and Neeraj-at the prestigious Balayogi Auditorium of Parliament House.

As many as 69 children, picked up from various orphanage homes, participated in the event. The children's homes included Ashadeep Foundation, Shishu Sangopan Griha, Bhatia School and Bal Bhawan.

The performance was based on the theme of 'Basant Panchami,' where the children gave a presentation based on the theme.

It was coming together of the children of the lesser God, who have been abandoned or unfortunately separated from their parents.

These children, therefore, have remained oblivious of the joy of showcasing their talents. It was an opportunity to display their creativity and prove to the world that they were no less than any others in the world.

Mr Chidambaram saw in the eyes of these children the confidence and sense of fulfillment and empowerment as it was a prestigious and unique platform that had been offered to them.

"We should care for young talents who have lost their childhood as many of them have moved straight to adulthood without enjoying their childhood,'' Mr Chidambaram said.

The Finance Minister gave a clarion call to encourage all such efforts which bring to the fore the creativity of deprived children.

Mr Chidambaram said while the requirement for their food, clothing and even shelter were sometimes met, what was of utmost importance was to allow their natural talents to blossom.

Mr Chidambaram laid particular stress that budding talents be given a helping hand in the field of song, music and dance..

The programme is to be telecast on Lok Sabha TV Channel from 1600 hrs to 1700hrs on Sunday, that is February 10.

Mr Chidambaram who has made big in life, realised what opportunity could do and spoke eloquently about it. After all, why should one assume that only the rich have talent and they alone have the right to become big, powerful and wealthy.

The Finance Minister patted Neeraj and Alpana Chauhan and other professionals for their endevour and enjoined upon them to multiply their efforts.

Neeraj and Alpana are well known fashion designers of the capital, who feel that satisfaction comes from not just making money and professional success, but perhaps more from serving those who have been condemned to lead a miserable existence.

"Funds just poured in. Money was not a problem. People contributed generously, both rich and the not so rich", says Neeraj.

Neeraj said the inspiration for holding the event came from 'Landmark Education' a programme which teaches how to live life powerfully.

The programme ended with the Finance Minister distributing awards to children. It was a tough selection by a three- member jury. It comprised Ms Pratibha Parhalad, a renowened Bharatnatyam dancer, Ms Deepak Sandhu, Principal Director General, Press Information Bureau and Mr Awanish Mishra, a well known journalist.